Origami Advent Calendar

One fold a day, all the way to Christmas.

Open this book on December 1 and fold a new paper model every day. By Christmas Eve your family will have filled the tree with handmade ornaments, wrapped a gift in a box you folded yourselves, and placed a golden paper star on the very top.

Every project is Christmas. No sailboats, no ladybugs, no filler. Santa, a reindeer with antlers, a snowman, a penguin, a gingerbread house, a wreath, a sleigh, a bell, an angel and a popper that goes off with a loud bang are all here.

• Week 1, Deck the Tree (Easy): Christmas tree, candy cane, stocking, mitten, holly, and a bauble you blow up like a balloon
• Week 2, Santa's Friends (Easy to Medium): Santa, snowman, penguin, reindeer, gingerbread house, and an elf hat big enough to wear
• Week 3, Wrap It Up (Medium): card envelope, gift box, box lid, bow, treat cup, and a Christmas cracker popper
• Week 4, Christmas Eve (Challenging): bell, angel, poinsettia, an 8-piece wreath, Santa's sleigh, and a star tree-topper for the grand finale

• Clear, numbered step-by-step diagrams in full color, with a picture of how the paper should look after every fold
• A fold-symbol guide and practice folds before Day 1
• A "Tricky Spot" tip for every project, right where people usually get stuck
• Difficulty stars, time needed and a "Kids can fold alone" or "Grown-up helper" label on each day
• No scissors and no glue

• A Christmas fact or joke to read aloud each day
• A countdown chart to color in as you go
• Folding memory pages, a photo page and a "Master Christmas Folder" certificate
• Ideas for displaying all 24 models on Christmas Day

A screen-free December tradition for kids aged 6 and up, families, classrooms, and grandparents who want something to make together. It also makes a thoughtful Advent gift that isn't more chocolate or plastic.

Please note: this is a book, not a boxed calendar, and it doesn't include origami. You'll need about 38 6-inch (15 cm) squares of origami paper. The book includes a full shopping list and shows you how to make squares from ordinary printer paper.

Scroll up and start your family's paper-folding countdown.